It was the summer of 1998 and record setting temperatures were being felt in Austin. Janie had graduated the previous spring and decided after a year of substitute teaching where we grew up that it was time to broaden her horizons. What better place than Austin, TX? Leslie had already set up house in Austin and was loving life, why not join her?
The Dixie Chicks song "Wide Open Spaces" was Janie's anthem as she packed up all that could fit in the 4-door sedan, cashed out her savings account and headed west. Little did she know that the feeling of complete freedom and excitement would be marred...

A little boy named "Wil" attends our school, and he loves each and every one of his things. As part of a conversation about recycling, we discussed giving away excess "stuff" to people who need it or to Goodwill. Wil began to look very pale, very nervous, and he shouted out, "Well, I don't even know that 'Will'".

We were not trusted to be left alone at our house for many years, and for good reason. We were sisters, and we were prone to fighting.
One day late in the summer, our mom left us in charge of a large pot of fresh green beans cooking while she ran a short errand in town. Somewhere along the line, watching Laverne and Shirley wasn't enough distraction, and a fight broke out. Janie, never one to fully express her anger in a constructive manner, reached into the simmering pot, and threw a whole green bean atop Leslie's tank-topped shoulder. Leslie writhed in pain, then decided to attempt to restore...

One Christmas in the early eighties, we awoke bleary eyed and regained our sight when we each peeled open boxes of matching Wonder Woman Underoos! Our cousin had these frivolous underwear for months, and finally our mom must have given in and granted our wish for the unforgiving nylon underwear. Also, we thought that our dad's cousin Mary Catherine was actually Linda Carter, and we desperately wanted to look like her.
Leslie raced to strip off her flannel nightgown and put on the newly discovered tidbit of pop culture, while Janie lagged a bit behind, still a little young. Leslie pulled her flashy...

We grew up 8 miles outside of a town of about 1500 people. We credit any worldliness or interest in cultures and places unfamiliar to us to our annual family vacation, subscriptions to National Geographic, and our parents' interest in Sunday Morning and PBS. God bless our parents for helping us see a world beyond "our world".
That said, each year we loaded up in the family vehicle for points known--carefully planned for months. We couldn't sleep the night before "bacation" as Janie called it. Long before car seats, cutesy snack packs, and in-car entertainment systems, it was just the two of us in the back...

RecentlyI decided to try some of the new paint that contain no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the paint or the dyes. The paint worked great, and there truly was no smell! At about $12 more per gallon, this is a green choice that does not pack a huge financial punch!I chose "Organic Garden" from the Freshaire Choice collection sold exclusively at Home Depot. There are 66 natural colors to choose from, and several finishes. I was pleased with the eggshell finish for the downstairs powder room.If you call the number on their website, you can even receive 3 free samples in the mail!http://freshairechoice.com/

Leslie's kids love to make this dressing, and the whole family loves to eat it! This is great topped with grilled chicken, or accompanying an Italian dish.Caesar Salad DressingIn the bottom of a large mixing bowl or salad bowl, whisk together:1 tsp dijon mustard1 T anchovy paste--sold in a tube1/2 tsp saltjuice of 1 lemona few grinds black pepperSlowly whisk in approximately 1/2 cup olive oil or vegetable oil. We recommend a light olive oil rather than extra virgin olive oil, which can be a bit bitter in this recipe.Add in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese--freshly grated or the good 'ole grated stuff in the green...

If you have a kid who loves trains, or if you are looking for affordable family fun, try the Cedar Rock Railroad at Williamson Country Regional Park. The train was handmade by conductor Ken Knowles and his wife. The train circles the park, and even goes through a tunnel! Ken punches tickets before the ride, much to the children's delight. We recently met families from our preschool for a train ride, and the kids talked about it for days afterward! Southwest Williamson County Regional Park is located off of 1431 and Sam Bass. The railroad is operational from 10-6 on Saturday and Sunday, weather...

We think Martha Stewart may have been our inspiration for this soap dispenser about ten years ago. Simply clean a wine bottle, and soak to remove the label, if you wish. Add liquid dish detergent, and top with a pour spout. Pour spouts are easy to find at Target and other retailers for a couple of dollars (http://www.barsupplies.com/tapered-metal-pourer-p-290.html). Leslie used a Texas wine bottle in this example. You actually use less detergent pouring with a pour spout!